Hightower throws hat in ring for Marion mayor

Marion City Commissioner Angelo Hightower has thrown his hat in the ring for the 2019 mayoral seat being vacated by Robert Butler. Hightower made his official announcement via Facebook late Thursday evening.Facebook/Angelo Hightower

Marion City Commissioner Angelo Hightower has thrown his hat in the ring for the 2019 mayoral seat being vacated by Robert Butler. Hightower made his official announcement via Facebook late Thursday evening.Facebook/Angelo Hightower

BY JOHN D. HOMANMANAGING EDITORjhoman@localsouthernnews.com

updated: 9/14/2017 11:24 PM

MARION - City commissioner Angelo Hightower announced Thursday evening that he is throwing his hat into the ring for mayor when the April 2019 election rolls around.

Hightower is a former Marion Police officer who resigned his position with the force in order to maintain his spot on the council. According to his Facebook page, he is now an officer with the Carterville Police Department as well as a financial representative with Modern Woodmen of America.

Hightower shared his big news with family and friends via Facebook, a medium he participates in regularly.

"There has been much speculation about my political future," Hightower said online. "Over the years, I have been urged to run for various offices. Over the past year or so, those calls have been growing louder. Let me just say that... I hear those voices loud and clear.

"After much prayer and introspection, it is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I hereby formally announce my intention to run for Mayor of the City of Marion in April of 2019."

Hightower makes the announcement, knowing that 90-year-old Mayor Robert Butler, has stated that this term - his 14th - is his last.

"As the sun sets on the career of Mayor Butler, it would be proper to reflect upon and appreciate Marion's progress, during his 14 terms in office," Hightower said. "In his 54 years as mayor, Marion has enjoyed tremendous growth. For that, he should be recognized for being at the helm, during that growth.

"But, as the sun sets, the sun also rises. With that said, it is time to look to the next generation of leaders to continue Marion's preeminent status as the premiere city in Southern Illinois," Hightower said. "I am more than able and willing to step up and accept that responsibility. Give me the opportunity to serve you as mayor, and I promise you that I won't let you down."

Hightower said his "core competency" is people.

"Throughout my professional career, I have demonstrated my capacity to serve the public to my utmost ability," he said. "In my administration, everyone will have a voice. Cronyism and favoritism will be a thing of the past. I will practice fiscal responsibility.

"True transparency will be commonplace in all departments. I will work diligently to attract larger businesses that pay larger salaries. I will also work with marketing professionals to make Marion an attractive destination for national and even international businesses," Hightower said. "Marion will be a city for everyone, with amenities that are suited for various tastes."

Hightower said he will need help to win the mayoral seat.

"Obviously, my success will depend upon many people," he said. "That includes elder statesmen such as fellow Marion commissioner Anthony Rinella, business owners such as Mike Absher, community activists such as Ron Ferguson and John Holst, service organizations such as the Marion Rotary Club, and so many more.

"So, to the person out there who feels marginalized, I hear you," Hightower told his Facebook audience. "To the person who seeks improved fiscal responsibility from city leaders, I hear you. To the person who wants more responsive and transparent government, I hear you. And in April of 2019, the whole region will hear you, so help me God."